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AMPHOE MAE CHARIM
 Nam
Wa Rafting
This exciting activity waits for tourists who like to shoot
many rapids. Rafting can be accompanied by elephant riding. The
suitable time for rafting is from September to February. Visitors
can contact travel agencies in the town.
AMPHOE MUEANG
Nan National Museum
The building of the Nan National Museum was actually constructed
in 1903 and once the residence of a ruler of Nan. It displays exhibitions
concerning the town's history and major structures, evolution of
arts in different ages, and numerous ancient objects, the most eminent
of which is the Black Ivory. It also provides anthropological information
on the northern indigenous people including the several minorities
residing in Nan. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in
the morning until four o'clock in the afternoon.
Wat Chang Kham
Opposite the Nan National Museum is Wat Chang Kham. Its main features
are the sculpted upper halves of elephants adorning around the Chedi,
a Sukhothai influence. Here have been found stones with ancient
Thai scripts relating the alliance between the kings of Nan and
Sukhothai when Nan was still and independent state. An ancient golden
Buddha is enshrined in the Vihan.
Wat Phaya Wat
This temple is located just before reaching the town on Highway
No. 101. An ancient religious site, it has rectangular Chedi bases
on which Buddha states are placed around the Chedi structure. Combined
artistic influences of Lanna, Lan Chang and native Nan can be detected.
Wat Phra That Chae Hang
Wat Phra That Chae Hang, about 2 kilometres from town on Highway
No. 1168, is ancient religious site of the province. Once the centre
of the old town, it was moved to its present location in about 1368.
It features a 55 metre-high golden Chedi containing a Holy Relic
from Sukhothai. Over the Vihan's door frames and on parts of the
roofs are plaster designs in the shape of Naga, the great serpent,
which represent the artistic best in local architecture.
Wat Phumin
A uniquely designed and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat
Phumin, which has a 4-portico, single building housing both the
Ubosot and Vihan. Four Buddha statues with their backs against one
another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions.
The doors are delicately carved in splendid designs by Lanna craftsmen.
Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867 since it was built
some 27 years ago. It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned
during this time. The wall paintings, in Thai Lu style are considered
highly valuable and depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha as
well as local legends and the local way of life, which include native
attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries.
Wat Suan Tan
Wat Suan Tan, built in 1230, features an old, beautifully-shaped
Chedi and houses a huge bronze Buddha statue, Phra Chao Thong Thip
cast by a king of Chiang Mai in 1450.
AMPHOE NA MUEN
Ban Pak Nai
Ban Pak Nai, about 22 kilometres along the road winding over the
shoulder of the mountain some 96 kilometres from the provincial
town, is a fishing village on the bank of the fresh-water lake above
the Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit province. Local rafts are turned into
restaurants and accommodations for visitors who prefer vacationing
amid peaceful natural surrounding. The most famous food is the many
kinds of fresh-water fish caught in the lake.
 AMPHOE
NA NOI
Hom Chom
Hom Chom is a natural geological occurrence located about 10 kilometres
from Na Noi district on Highway No. 1083. The site is characterised
by a large earthen mould eroded by the elements through the ages,
leaving only hard eastern columns, whose exotic shapes and forms
can be interpreted as differently as the imagination goes.
Si Nan National Park
The Si Nan National Park covers extensive forested and mountainous
areas. Pha Chu is the major attraction in the park. The cliff can
be reached by taking the Nan-Wiang Sa - Na Noi route for 135 kilometres,
then turning into Highway No. 1083 and on for another 22 kilometres.
The cliff-stop offers an excellent viewing point to enjoy a panoramic
vista of the mountains. A national flag pole has a lanyard running
all the way down to the foot of the hill, the longest in the country.
There are camping areas for visitors in the park.
AMPHOE PUA
Doi Phu Kha National Park
To the north of Nan along Highway No. 1080 in Nong Bua district
and with a further distance of 25 kilometres on the route to Bo
Kluea district lies the Doi Phu Kha National Park. The terrain is
mainly forested lands on limestone mountain ranges, the source of
several streams which merge into the Nan River. The elevation is
about 1,900 metres above sea level.
Here are found several rare and near-extinct floras, particularly
the Chomphu Phu Kha, whose pink flowers are in full bloom during
February. In the morning, a sea of mist can be seen drifting across
the valley. There are also several scenic waterfalls. Permits to
camp can be applied for. Alternatively, tourists may choose to utilise
the accommodation services in the park.
AMPHOE THA WANG PHA
Thai Lue Village Ban Nong Bua
This village is about 40 kilometres to the north of the town on
Highway No. 1080, with an additional 3 kilometres after the left
turn into the village in Tha Wang Pha district. The Thai Lue people
living at Ban Nong Bua are noted or producing the traditional tribal
fabric, an art handed down from generation to generation. It has
also been improved in the designs but still retaining the original
patterns. The native woven materials have now become a highly popular
buy among tourist.
Wat Nong Bua
Wat Nong Bua in Nong Bua village of Tha Wang Pha district was built
by Thai Lue craftsmen who had early migrated from southern China.
Apart from the Vihan which is adorned with elaborate carvings, there
are also wall murals painted by Thai Lue artists some one hundred
years ago. Their artistic value and degree of perfection equal those
at Wat Phumin.
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